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Christian Artifact versus Religion and Worship
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Christian Artifact versus Religion and Worship
Aristotle once postulated that human beings are nothing but social animals that have established themselves and live in groups that would enable them to survive (Glynska, 2016). Within these associations, there exist beliefs and cultures that strengthen their personalities and cohesion. At the same time, several physical representations mark these beliefs and practices; these may comprise flags, clothing, foods, and statues. Generally, these objects that have cultural value within a community are all artifacts. This essay will elaborate on the significance and use of the True Cross and the statue of Blessed Virgin Mary in worship among the Christians.
The True Cross acquired a purpose of worship in the year 312 A.D. (Dickinson, n.d). The scholar supposes that a warrior known as Constantine was in combat against Maxentius over the Roman Empire. Constantine pleaded with the God of Christians so that he could win the battle. In response, a luminous cross emerged on the cross inscribed that he would win the fight, which he did. On 28th October of the same year, Constantine ordered that the True Cross be placed in all Roman standards. Later, his mother, St Helena, found the True Cross where Jesus was crucified, which was then set in the church. Since then, Catholic churches have adopted crosses to symbolize victory and life that God has given. For that matter, the True Cross serves an essential role in worship among the Christians.
The statue of Mother is also an essential artifact among the Christian worshippers. James Gontis (n.d) provides that the statue first used in the year 431 A.D. during the patriarchy of Constantinople. Christians believe that Mary was the mother of Jesus, who is God; thus Mary is the mother of God. Therefore, Mary is considered the mother of the church and that she intercedes for Christians to her son Jesus Christ. For that matter, the statue of Virgin Mary in the places of worship indicates Christians’ love and respect for her as the mother of the savior.
The two artifacts have an application in prayers. For instance, when Christians pray, they do so by appeasing that Mary may intercede for them to Jesus Christ. They believe that she is closer to Jesus and that she being human puts Mary in the right place since she understands the whole being of humans. At the same time, the cross is also essential and brings us closer to the divine and spiritual nature of God, in a physical object, the cross. Also, the cross forms the core of the rosary that is useful in guiding the Christians through prayers.
Theologians have spent considerable time trying to understand the whole truth behind these artifacts and their significance in worship. Most of the studies by these scholars continue to supplement the existing truth about the same, thus strengthening the Christian beliefs. Several humanities sources have been useful in the study of these religious artifacts. They include the archaeological sources such as the Holy Cross. Also, religious books such as the bible provide essential details about some of the beliefs. Additionally, the internet also provides vast knowledge and information about the same. Most of these sources provide reliable and adequate data. However, some such as the internet could be edited while the print sources could omit some critical details. Therefore, one should compare sources to ensure consistency before making conclusions.
In conclusion, the Holy Cross and statue of the Virgin Mary are essential artifacts in worship among Christians. Despite the differences in shape, position in the church, and the materials that make these objects, they all are significant in prayers. While the former shows victory and life, the latter gives the Christians a channel of intercession with God. Therefore, they are both used in Christian worshipping.
References
Dickinson (n.d).Shrine of the True Cross. Precious Relic of the True Cross. Retrieved from https://truecrosschurch.org/relic-of-the-true-cross
Glynska, Marianna (06/08/2016). Culture and Humanity: How Can We Experience Transcendent Moments? Retrieved from https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.huffpost.com/us/entry/10336726/amp
James Gontis (n.d). Why Do Catholics Consider Mary to be so important? The Church’s principal Teachings about the Blessed Virgin Mary. 1-6 retrieved from https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://smgparish.org/documents/2015/3/Relics%25202015%2520Final%2520Production%2520Release%2520_Fine_HQ_600_TT_Manual_Adv_Graphic_PnP_Bright15Sat15.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwj8opWp4IvgAhWOyoUKHT8XBroQFjABegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw1stURDOcOhFVTWUZ8MHPfa
